CVE-2016-7510 in libdwarf
Summary
by MITRE
The read_line_table_program function in dwarf_line_table_reader_common.c in libdwarf before 20160923 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (out-of-bounds read) via crafted input.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/15/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-7510 represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw within the libdwarf library's dwarf_line_table_reader_common.c component. This issue affects versions prior to the 20160923 release and enables remote attackers to trigger a denial of service condition through the manipulation of crafted input data. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the read_line_table_program function, which processes DWARF line number information typically found in debug sections of executable files. When processing malformed DWARF debugging data, the function fails to properly bounds-check array accesses, leading to memory access violations that can crash applications or systems relying on libdwarf for debug information parsing.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper handling of structured data within the DWARF debugging format specification. DWARF (Debugging With Attributed Record Formats) is a standardized debugging format used primarily in Unix-like systems for storing debugging information in executable files. The read_line_table_program function specifically processes line number program information that maps source code lines to machine instructions. When encountering malformed input, the function attempts to read memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries, resulting in undefined behavior and system instability. This flaw aligns with CWE-129, which categorizes improper validation of array indices, and represents a classic example of insufficient bounds checking in memory management operations. The vulnerability can be exploited by attackers who craft malicious DWARF debug sections that contain malformed line number program data, potentially causing applications to crash or behave unpredictably when attempting to parse such files.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-7510 extends beyond simple denial of service, as it affects a wide range of applications and systems that depend on libdwarf for debugging and analysis purposes. Systems utilizing libdwarf for symbol resolution, debugging tools, binary analysis frameworks, and security auditing applications become vulnerable to this attack vector. The remote exploitation capability means that attackers can potentially compromise systems through network-based delivery of malicious files containing crafted DWARF data, such as executables, shared libraries, or debug symbol files. This vulnerability particularly impacts software development environments, security tools, and systems performing binary analysis where libdwarf is extensively used. The flaw can be leveraged in various attack scenarios including application crashes, system instability, and potential information disclosure through memory corruption, making it a significant concern for system administrators and security professionals managing software development and deployment environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-7510 primarily focus on updating to the patched version of libdwarf released on or after September 23, 2016, which includes proper bounds checking and input validation mechanisms. System administrators should prioritize patching affected systems and applications that rely on libdwarf, particularly those in development environments, security analysis tools, and debugging frameworks. Additionally, implementing input validation controls at the application level can provide defense-in-depth measures, ensuring that any DWARF data processed contains proper bounds checking and error handling. Network-based mitigations could include filtering or scanning for malicious DWARF content in file transfers and system updates. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring and logging for unusual application crashes or memory access violations that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of robust input validation and memory safety practices in security-critical libraries, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for execution through command and scripting interpreter and T1499.004 for unauthorized access to system resources. Regular security assessments and dependency monitoring should be implemented to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other security-critical components within the software supply chain.